System and method for automated successive three-dimensional printing

ABSTRACT

A system and method for autonomously creating subsequent physical objects using a 3-dimensional printer. The system includes a build platform which is ejected with a printed object adhered to it, with a replenishing mechanism to place a blank build platform into the expected build area such that printing a subsequent object may occur autonomously. The replenishing mechanism may draw from a plurality of stored blank build platforms which may be reusable in some embodiments and disposable in others.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/450,187 filed on Oct. 7, 2021, entitled “System and Method forAutomated Successive Three-Dimensional Printing”, which claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/929,740 filed on May 19, 2020,entitled “System and Method for Automated Successive Three-DimensionalPrinting”, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/800,973 filed on Nov. 1, 2017, entitled “System and Method forAutomated Successive Three-Dimensional Printing”, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/416,428 filed on Nov. 2,2016, also entitled “System and Method for Automated SuccessiveThree-Dimensional Printing”, the contents of all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright or trade dress protection. This patentdocument may show and/or describe matter that is or may become tradedress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objectionto the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, butotherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method forautomated successive three-dimensional printing. More particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to a system and method for automatedsuccessive three-dimensional printing which can operate without a humanbeing present.

BACKGROUND

Additive manufacturing (also known as “3D printing”) is performed by aspecial-purpose device which operates by depositing thin layers ofthermoplastic or other reformable or reactive material onto a flatplanar surface. This is done by depositing said material between precisepoints until the sum of all layers forms the ultimate shape of a desiredobject. One requirement that this type of system has is that the firstlayer of material deposited on the build surface must adhere to thatsurface. This adhesion is important because it ensures that the forcesof the subsequent material being deposited does not change the positionof the first layer relative to all subsequent layers. While a lateralshift of any layer results in inaccurate printing, a shift in the firstlayer typically results in catastrophic failure of the print job.

This adhesion requirement introduces a certain “Goldilocks” paradigm: aprint surface must provide sufficient adhesion such that the risk offirst layer detachment over the course of a print job is sufficientlylow, yet not so much adhesion that the desired object is now permanentlyfused to the build platform. Put simply, a build platform that providestoo much adhesion requires significant physical force to remove theobject, while a build platform with too little adhesion causes theprinter to be unreliable or inaccurate.

Already existing in the art are a number of solutions to address thisadhesion requirement, however each solution has significant limitationsor drawbacks. Such solutions include painter's tape, ultra-hold hairspray, and polyimide tape. Each of these materials are produced by avariety of companies, each with their own specific chemicalformulations. However, a common drawback of all these materials is thatthey lack staying power. That is, they all wear out or become damagedduring the removal of the print, possibly after only a single use.

Another solution to the adhesion requirement of 3D printing is to havethe build platform be inherently adhesive. To address ejecting theprinted objects, some of these build platforms are constructed out of aflexible base material, which allows the end user to apply a bendingforce to the build platform to unstick the printed object from the buildplatform.

Regardless of the composition of the build platform, most 3D printersthat exist today merely leave the completed object on the buildplatform, waiting for the user to manually remove the object so that thenext print job can initialize. This creates a bottleneck in theproduction of 3D-printed objects, preventing 3D printing from being usedas a manufacturing tool. Because of this, 3D printers cannotautomatically process their print queues, and cannot be operated withany kind of autonomy. For 3D printers to fulfill the vision asdeliverers of digital ideas into our physical world, a mechanism forremoving a print job from the build platform is necessary.

One solution to this automated ejection problem is the “Automated BuildPlatform” product offered as an aftermarket add-on kit by MakerBotIndustries, disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,282,380 and 8,287,794. There,the build platform surface is constructed out of a thin, flexiblesubstance concatenated with itself to form a closed-loop, movableconveyor belt, supported by an underlying flat hard surface. Onceprinting is completed, the conveyor belt advances using the rotationalforce of motorized frictional cylinders on one end, and the objectdetaches from the flexible surface at the rotating point, also pushingit from the completed build platform. The movement of the build surfaceas a conveyor belt both provides the detaching force at the rotationpoint as well as the linear movement of the object out of the buildspace. However, when implemented in real-world printers, warping of theobject proved to be an insurmountable problem as a print bed that ejectswarped objects is not functional. That is, the upward curling force ofuneven thermoplastic cooling was too great for the thin surface materialto counteract, and objects with large surface areas were either toowarped to be acceptable, warped to the point of causing catastrophicprint failure, or in the event of a small object not being large enoughto warp, too well-adhered to be removed by the rotating force of thesurface. Attempts were made to correct this by constructing the buildplatform out of thin metal, like titanium. Notwithstanding thedramatically increased cost of a titanium build platform, large objectsstill produced the devastating warping effects that the thin metalcouldn't counteract.

Another solution that exists today is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,946.That solution leverages the mechanical advantage of a wedge and uses ablade to apply a separating force to break the bonds between the bottomsurface of the printed object and the printing surface. Further, theblade's motion-path back to its starting position doubles as the forceto push the now-separated object out from the build volume.Alternatively, this blade/wedge-separation method may employ asecondary, separate device to remove the object from the print areaafter separation to similar effectiveness at the cost of increasedexpenses and mechanical complexity, should there be an engineeringreason to do so. However, this solution is mechanically complex and haslimits on the size of objects that can be ejected because as an object'sbottom surface area increases, the force of adhesion between the objectand the build platform increases as well. Therefore, the force needed todrive a blade underneath the first layer of the build object increasesdrastically with the footprint of the build object. Additionally, theblade may dull over time, requiring sharpening or replacement, adding toa printer's maintenance overhead. The blade also requires exactcalibration, as the blade must run along the surface of the buildplatform, but not cause damage or excessive wear to it. Finally, thismechanism requires additional space alongside an arbitrary axis of thebuild surface area, decreasing the printer-size-to-build-volume ratio ofthe 3D printer.

The most prolific automated solution to ejecting printed objects fromthe build platform is the automated application of a large brute forceon the completed object. This force is sufficient such that the bottomlayer of the printed object detaches from the build platform and theobject's momentum moves it out from the printer's build volume, freeingthe printer to initialize a subsequent print. This is achieved via adedicated ramming device or via the print head itself. The success ofthis method is firstly dependent on the condition that the force on theobject is sufficient such that separation occurs between the object andthe build platform, as there is no mechanical advantage to this method.In the case of using the print head to ram the object off the buildplatform, the components that support the print head must be able towithstand this force. Typically, the supports are precision-machinedguide rods, which, for small objects, are sufficient. However, for largeobjects with a high degree of adhesion to the build surface, the forceof impact may be sufficient to permanently deform the rods that allowthe motion of the print head, effectively breaking the printer untilthey are replaced. This method also requires that the adhesion betweenlayers of the object is higher than the adhesion between the object andthe build surface, otherwise the object would shear at an arbitraryz-height, which could cause either errors or breakage of the printerwhen attempting to print the next object. With this method beingeffective only for printed objects that are strong in their inherentshape and small in their surface area contact with the print platform,this method leaves much to be desired.

Another solution is taught by International Patent Application No.: WO2015/116639. This invention consists of two critical components: aflexible, flat planar build surface; and a two-part mechanical system todeform this surface along one axis and then also to vacate the now-freedcompleted object from the build surface. The combination of deformableplanar surface and mechanical system serve to replace the need for humanlabor to clear a printer's build surface for a subsequent print tocommence. This method is dependent on the aforementioned “Goldilocks”build platforms which are constructed out of a flexible metal surfacecoated with a substance that increases desirable adhesion propertiesbetween printed plastic and the build platform, or a flexible non-metalmaterial that inherently has desirable adhesion properties. Between thecoated-metal vs. proprietary inherent material flexible products,flatness of the build surface is difficult to achieve or is highlyexpensive. Additionally, the natural fatigue of both metal and polymerflexible build products must be considered. After certain flex/flattencycles, the material may either begin to crack or degrade from thestress, or possibly no longer be able to return to a fully flattenedstate-a hard-stop for accurate 3D printing, again leaving much room forimprovement.

As can be seen based on the above solution, the current state of the artonly provides very compromised options, either limiting the type ofobject that can be printed or adding significant mechanical complexityand chemical-manufacturing dependencies to the 3D printer itself.

While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed,or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes ofthe present disclosure as disclosed hereafter.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act, or item of knowledgeis referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act, item of knowledge, or any combinationthereof that was known at the priority date, publicly available, knownto the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutesprior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the presentdisclosure is concerned.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects aredisclaimed. It is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or moreof the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a print area, for accepting andsubsequently ejecting an object printed thereon by a 3-dimensionalprinter, the print area comprising a build plane, a build platformhaving a top surface, and a plurality of actuating mechanisms,preferably where the top surface is even with the build plane,preferably where the plurality of individually articulating sections iseach composed of one of adjacent, interlocking, or concentric shapes,preferably where the build platform is composed of a plurality ofindividually articulating sections.

In an embodiment, a number of actuating mechanisms of the plurality ofactuating mechanisms corresponds to a number of sections of theplurality of individually articulating sections, preferably where eachof the plurality of actuating mechanisms is associated with acorresponding section from the plurality of individually articulatingsections.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of individually articulatingsections is individually actuated.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of individually articulatingsections is actuated with synchronization with said other plurality ofindividually articulating sections.

In an embodiment, the plurality of individually articulating sections iscomposed of adjacent shapes configured to form a grid.

In an embodiment, the plurality of individually articulating sections iscomposed of interlocking shapes configured to form a grid.

In an embodiment, the plurality of individually articulating sections iscomposed of concentric circles configured to form a disk.

In an embodiment, the plurality of individually articulating sections isconfigured such that it forms a substantially flat surface duringprinting of an object.

In an embodiment, the plurality of actuating mechanisms actuates theplurality of individually articulating sections along a vertical axis ofthe build plane when an object is finished printing on the buildsurface, such that the actuation is sufficient to break any bondsbetween the object and a top surface of the build platform.

The present disclosure also provides for a method of ejecting an objectfrom a print area, the object being printed by a 3-dimensional printer,the print area comprising a build plane, a build platform, having a topsurface, a bottom surface, a perimeter, and a plurality of sectionsextending therebetween, and a plurality of actuating mechanisms locatedbelow the bottom surface, the method comprising the steps of providing,by the 3-dimensional printer, a printed object adhered to the topsurface of the build platform, disjoining the object from the topsurface by selectively actuating, one or more of the plurality ofsections beneath the object, and allowing the sections from the previousstep to their original position.

In an embodiment, the method of the present disclosure also includes astep of actuating, in a synchronized manner, the plurality of sectionssuch that the object is ejected from the perimeter of the buildplatform.

The present disclosure also teaches a print area, for accepting andsubsequently ejecting an object printed thereon by a 3-dimensionalprinter, the print area comprising: a build plane; a build platform,having a top surface, a bottom surface, a perimeter, and a plurality ofsections extending therebetween; and a plurality of actuating mechanismslocated below the bottom surface, wherein the amount of actuatingmechanisms directly corresponds to the number of sections, wherein theplurality of actuating mechanisms are capable of vertically andindependently actuating each of the sections, wherein the plurality ofactuating mechanisms are configured to operate in a manner that providesa means for disjoining. In a preferred embodiment the plurality ofactuating mechanisms are also configured to operate in a manner thatprovides a means for removing the object from the perimeter of the buildplatform. Preferably, there can also be a push mechanism having ahorizontal actuator attached to a plow, wherein the horizontal actuatoris configured to provide sufficient force to push the object outside theperimeter of the build platform, wherein each of the plurality ofsections is a rectangular prism and wherein each section abuts againstat least three other sections. In some embodiments, the plurality ofsections are concentric circles.

The present disclosure also teaches a method of ejecting an object froma print area, the object being printed by a 3-dimensional printer, theprint area comprising a build plane, a build platform, having a topsurface, a bottom surface, a perimeter, and a plurality of sectionsextending therebetween, and a plurality of actuating mechanisms locatedbelow the bottom surface, wherein the amount of actuating mechanismsdirectly corresponds to the number of sections, wherein the plurality ofactuating mechanisms are capable of vertically and independentlyactuating each of the sections, wherein the plurality of actuatingmechanisms are configured to operate in a manner that provides a meansfor disjoining, the method comprising the steps of: providing, by the3-dimensional printer, a printed object adhered to the top surface ofthe build platform; disjoining the object from the top surface byactuating, one or more of the plurality of sections beneath the object;allowing, the sections from the previous step to their originalposition. In some embodiments, there is also the step of actuating, in acoordinated manner, the plurality of sections such that the object isejected from the perimeter of the build platform.

The claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressingany of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. Tothe accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in theform illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called tothe fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variationsare contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

Implementations may include one or a combination of any two or more ofthe aforementioned features.

These and other aspects, features, implementations, and advantages canbe expressed as methods, apparatuses, systems, components, programproducts, business methods, and means or steps for performing functions,or some combination thereof.

Other features, aspects, implementations, and advantages will becomeapparent from the descriptions, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view, showing an example embodiment of thebuild platform according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the buildplatform according to the present disclosure, with the print objectbeing supported by the build surface.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the buildplatform according to the present disclosure, with the print objectbeing ejected by a push mechanism.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the buildplatform according to the present disclosure, with the print objectbeing ejected by the dynamic top surface.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment ofthe build platform according to the present disclosure, where the topsurface is a plurality of concentric circles.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the build platform of FIG. 1E, with thedynamic top surface ejecting the print object.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exampleembodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete, and fullyconveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the variousfigures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the presentinvention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of thepresent invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact,those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading thepresent specification and viewing the present drawings that variousmodifications and variations can be made thereto.

Exhibited below are several solutions for solving the problem ofprinting subsequent objects using additive manufacturing hardwarewithout human intervention between each such print jobs.

An embodiment of the print area according to the present disclosure isprovided. Here, the print area includes a plurality ofvertically-stacked build platforms 100 housed inside a replenishingmechanism, a push mechanism, and a build plane 400. Each of the buildplatforms 100 has a top surface 100A, a bottom surface 100B, and aplurality of walls extending between the top surface and the bottomsurface. The top surface is configured to have a 3D-printed object 1000adhere to it. This is true whether the 3D printer employs fuseddeposition modeling (“FDM”), fused filament fabrication (“FFF”), orstereolithography (“SLA”). The replenishing mechanism contains avertical actuator which has a top end, a lift platform connected to thetop end, and a holding bracket with a perimeter. The vertical actuator,the lift platform, and the plurality of build platforms 100 arecontained within the perimeter. The build plane 400 is level with thetop of the replenishing mechanism.

In an embodiment, automation is achieved by ejecting the entire buildplatform 100 upon which the object 1000 is printed on. Upon ejection ofthis build platform 100, the replenishing mechanism shall lift, via thelift platform and the vertical actuator, an additional build platform100 such that the top surface is in line with the build plane 400. Thisinsertion of the blank build platform 100 allows the printer to commencea new print in its print queue. This has the benefit of allowing the 3Dprinter to autonomously and sequentially print a number of the objects1000 regardless of a human's availability to remove the objects 1000from the build platforms 100. Preferably, the end-user of the printermay come at a later point and remove the object 1000 from the ejectedplatform 100. In some embodiments, the build platform 100 is disposable,but in other embodiments the build platform 100 is reusable. One way inwhich the build platform 100 could be reusable would be to insert theused build platform 100, after the object 1000 has been disjoined, intothe bottom of a stack of queued-up blank build platforms 100.Alternative embodiments exist where the build platforms 100 are notvertically-stacked but are in a carousel where the build platforms 100are rotated into the appropriate position to receive the object 1000.These build platforms 100 can be constructed out of any type of materialcurrently in use for build platforms, as described in the background,above. The embodiment of the print area has the benefit of keeping thex/y coordinate footprint relatively unharmed in between print jobs.

While in an embodiment, the print area is suitable for printing methodswhere the print head is located above the build platform 100, it issimilarly suitable for use with printers where a laser or imaging sourceis located beneath the build platform 100, operating in an invertedmanner from what is pictured.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1F, an alternative embodiment of the printarea according to the present disclosure is shown. Here, the print areaincludes the build plane 400, the build platform 100, and a plurality ofactuating mechanisms 900. In these embodiments, the build platformincludes the top surface 100A, the bottom surface 100B, a perimeter 100Ewhich bounds the top surface 100A and the bottom surface 100B, isconstructed out of a plurality of sections 100F. The number of theplurality of sections 100F directly corresponds to the number of theplurality of actuating mechanism 900, such that one actuating mechanism900 corresponds to one section 100F. Preferably, the plurality ofsections 100F are composed of adjacent, interlocking, or concentricshapes that can be independently actuated to move vertically, whileremaining fixed in their position in relation to the other sections100F. This embodiment leverages a group of components that function as asingle unified mechanism, despite their separate nature.

As seen in FIG. 1A, during printing and immediately after completion,the plurality of sections 100F are all level with the build plane 400,providing a perfectly flat surface for the object 1000 to be printed on.As the plurality of sections 100F is being actuated vertically, thisembodiment could be employed in printers using FDM/FFF/EAC printingmethods, as well as printers that employ SLA resin-based techniques, asthe need for the print head being inverted is not an issue for thisembodiment. After the object 1000 has been printed on the build platform100, one or more of the sections 100F below the object 1000 will bevertically actuated by the plurality of actuating mechanisms 900, whichwill break the bonds between the bottom surface of the object 1000 andthe top surfaces of build platform 100, as shown in FIG. 1B.

The plurality of sections 100F may be independently actuated to providehighly localized detachment force, or may be actuated in synchronizationwith sections 100F to manipulate the object 1000 as a whole. Thisactuating can occur randomly or algorithmically via an appropriatelyconfigured software application. For example, one detachment routinecould be to “ripple” the plurality of sections 100F starting at acentral point in the build platform 100, and extending to the perimeter100E, similar to the wave pattern generated by a droplet of waterentering a larger body of water. Once disjoined form the top surface100A, the object 1000 may be pushed beyond the perimeter 100E by anincluded push mechanism 200, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Alternatively,as depicted in FIG. 1D, the plurality of sections 100F can function as amechanism to push the object 1000 beyond the perimeter 100E byselectively actuating the sections 100F.

Another similar embodiment employing the sections 100F as differentshapes is shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F. There, instead of the rectangularsections 100F shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the plurality of sections 100F arein the form of concentric circles, capable of being independentlyactuated by the plurality of actuating mechanisms 900. It should benoted that any interlocking shape is appropriate for use in the sections100F. As seen in FIG. 1E, during printing and shortly thereafter theplurality of sections 100F are in line with the build plane 400,providing a flat printing surface. Upon the completion of the object1000, the plurality of sections 100F may be independently actuated torise above or fall below one another, each actuation creating a stepwiseseparating force between the object 1000 and the top surface 100A, asillustrated by FIG. 1F.

In a preferred embodiment, force feedback sensors could be used to helpa software application determine whether the object 1000 wassuccessfully detached from the build platform 100.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective“another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one ormore elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive such that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, manymodifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt aparticular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the disclosure not be limited to the particularembodiments disclosed.

It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being“on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there areno intervening elements present.

Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,”“second,” and “third,” are used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layerand/or section. Thus, a “first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer”and/or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer and/or section without departing from theteachings herein.

Features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be usedwith another embodiment and such variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross sectionillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations, for example,of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,example embodiments described herein should not be construed as limitedto the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flatmay, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharpangles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present claims.

As the invention has been described in connection with what is presentlyconsidered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosedembodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

In conclusion, herein is presented a system for automated successivethree-dimensional printing. The disclosure is illustrated by example inthe drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It shouldbe understood that numerous variations are possible while adhering tothe inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a partof the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A print area, for accepting and subsequentlyejecting an object printed thereon by a 3-dimensional printer, the printarea comprising: a build plane; a build platform having a top surface,the build platform composed of a plurality of individually articulatingsections, each individually articulating section composed of one ofadjacent, interlocking, or concentric shapes; and a plurality ofactuating mechanisms, wherein the plurality of individually articulatingsections is configured to be actuated in an upward direction above thebuild plane to eject an object from the build platform.
 2. The printarea of claim 1, wherein a number of actuating mechanisms of theplurality of actuating mechanisms corresponds to a number of sections ofthe plurality of individually articulating sections, and wherein each ofthe plurality of actuating mechanisms is associated with a correspondingsection from the plurality of individually articulating sections.
 3. Theprint area of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of individuallyarticulating sections is individually actuated.
 4. The print area ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of individually articulatingsections is actuated with synchronization with other plurality ofindividually articulating sections.
 5. The print area of claim 1,wherein the plurality of individually articulating sections is composedof adjacent shapes configured to form a grid.
 6. The print area of claim1, wherein the plurality of individually articulating sections iscomposed of interlocking shapes configured to form a grid.
 7. The printarea of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individually articulatingsections is composed of concentric circles configured to form a disk. 8.The print area of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individuallyarticulating sections is configured such that it forms a substantiallyflat surface during printing of the object.
 9. The print area of claim1, wherein the plurality of actuating mechanisms actuates the pluralityof individually articulating sections along a vertical axis of the buildplane when the object is finished printing on the build platform, suchthat the actuation is sufficient to break any bonds between the objectand the top surface.
 10. A method of ejecting an object from a printarea, the object being printed by a 3-dimensional printer, the printarea comprising a build plane, a build platform, having a top surface, abottom surface, a perimeter, and a plurality of sections extendingtherebetween, and a plurality of actuating mechanisms located below thebottom surface, the method comprising: providing, by the 3-dimensionalprinter, a printed object adhered to the top surface of the buildplatform; disjoining the object from the top surface by selectivelyactuating, one or more of the plurality of sections beneath the objectin an upwards direction above the build plane; and allowing, the one ormore of the plurality of sections moved in the upwards direction toreturn to their original position.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising a step of actuating, in a synchronized manner, the pluralityof sections such that the object is ejected from the perimeter of thebuild platform.